Mrs. Helen Mae Bourgeois

July 30, 1931 - February 16, 2016

Helen Mae Bourgeois (nee Emme) age 84, passed away with her husband, Laurence Thomas Bourgeois, by her side on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. A lifelong resident of the St. Louis area, Helen was born July 30, 1931, to Marie Emme (nee Ruest) and Edward Emme who preceeded her in death, as did her cherished "Aunty" Clara Bohland (nee Ruest) and "Unk" Hubert Bohland, siblings, Marian Druss (nee Emme), Edward Emme, Jr., and James Emme. Treasured mother to Laury Bourgeois, James Bourgeois (Joan Parker), Thomas Bourgeois (Adrianne Rochon), and Kathleen Bourgeois ( Thomas Merello) and much-loved grandmother Jesse Bourgeois (Kaylee Koch). Helen is also survived by daughter-in-law Diane Bourgeois and many nieces and nephews. Helen attended Cleveland High School and made many lifelong friends. She met Laurence at Harris Teachers College. Laurence enlisted in the United States Air Force and continued to write Helen from overseas. She joined him in England and they were wed in 1953. Helen gave much and cared much. As a family, we strive to live by her example. We are thankful for the many years we all shared together. We have truly been blessed by her life and love.